After weeks of researching cars, we found the one we wanted to buy. It was a little more expensive than what we’d planned — which made the decision to buy or not to buy a toughy. We waffled and hemmed and hawed and debated and argued until finally, I told my husband I was comfortable buying the car. I left it up to him to make the final call. I went from stressing, analyzing, and eating as much ice cream as possible to not worrying about it at all. I very consciously “washed my hands” of the situation.
Turns out that’s not just a simple cliche’. University of Michigan researchers have determined that physically washing your hands after making a tough decision actually makes you feel better about your decision.
Study participants who washed their hands after making a hard choice didn’t struggle with trying to defend or justify their choice, researchers said. The hand-washers were also happier overall with the decision they had made.
Looks like the act of washing, then, actually cleanses more than your hands. Maybe you’re psyche also gets a clean slate.
You can bet this is one tip I’m going to test out.
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Yes! I have done this “hand washing” when a decision is made or there’s a point of completion. It frees me to move on to the next project or whatever is my next priority. What I’ve found by “washing my hands” is the feeling of peace is most obvious when the situation involves others and a significant choice, like which car to buy.
I’m currently learning how to do this for personal projects and long-term objectives. What I’ve learned so far is that, when I make an effort to “wash my hands” of something, it could be too soon. I will get a feeling of completion and peace. But sometimes it’s just a rest, because the job is not done or lesson still not learned. I may have “washed my hands” too soon and have to dig into the mud again. This means I can have pretty chapped hands by the time I’m done. So I’ve also invested in nourishing hand creams.
Regardless of my personal issues and projects, I applaud this advice as an action that I know truly works.
Love that you use this Terri — and that it helps. Your statement about washing your hands too soon is also important. We still have to stay in there and do the work and be open and aware to the possibilities it holds, but when we
are done, it sounds like this hand-washing technique is a helpful way to move on. Thanks for the comment!